It’s always been this magazine’s favourite festival. Wonderful location, beautiful audiences and some of the greatest festival lineups in the world. It has offered the opportunity to see icons such as BB King, Bob Dylan, Iggy Pop, Patti Smith, Buddy Guy, Robert Plant and so many more. Bluesfest Byron Bay has also given us so many surprises, so many future favourite bands, whether it be St Paul and The Broken Bones, Vintage Trouble, Samantha Fish, Christone Kingfish Ingram or Eric Gales. Those first Australian performances at Bluesfest are etched in our minds forever and after one final dance in 2025, Bluesfest memories will be all that we have left.
Bluesfest Byron Bay, Australia’s premier and most awarded music festival in Australia ever, proudly announces that the 2025 edition will be its final curtain call. After 35 years of celebrating the very best in Blues, Roots music, and Beyond, the legendary institution that has brought the world’s greatest artists to Australia, plus a whole bunch of our own, will host its last festival on the legendary Byron Events Farm, just outside of Byron Bay, NSW, Australia.
Bluesfest Byron Bay has been Australia’s finest contemporary Blues, Roots, and Beyond music festival since 1990. What started as a humble celebration of Blues & Roots music has grown into one of the most significant music festivals in the world. Of the many awards, being recognized in the top 10 music festivals of the world from Pollstar, demonstrates the significance of this festival not just locally but around the world.
As the final chapter in Bluesfest’s iconic legacy approaches, fans are urged to be part of history. The first of many artist announcements for the 2025 festival, which promises to feature a lineup worthy of this momentous occasion, will be unveiled in one week. This is the last chance to experience the magic, the music, and the memories that have made Bluesfest a beloved institution, and we are expecting many our greatest artists, plus a bunch of first timers to join us in the celebration, with a first artist announcement imminent.
Peter Noble OAM, Festival Director and the driving force behind Bluesfest, expressed the significance of this decision:
“To my Dear Bluesfest Family, and after more than 50 years in the music business, Bluesfest has been a labour of love, a celebration of music, community, and the resilient spirit of our fans. But after the 2025 festival, as much as it pains me to say this, it’s time to close this chapter. As I said earlier this year at Bluesfest 2024, next year’s festival will be happening and it definitely is, but it will be our last. To my dear Bluesfest family, I want to make it the most unforgettable experience yet. If you’ve been thinking about it, now is your last chance to experience our beloved festival.”
Why Attend the Final Bluesfest?
- Unmatched Lineup: The final Bluesfest promises to bring together an extraordinary lineup of artists, reflecting the rich history and diversity that has defined the festival since its inception.
- A Piece of History: Being part of the last Bluesfest is not just about enjoying great music; it’s about being part of a cultural moment that will resonate for years to come.
- Don’t Miss Out: For everyone who has ever loved Bluesfest. If you’ve been waiting for the right time to attend, this is it. There will be no more Bluesfest after 2025.
Bluesfest has always been more than just a festival; it’s been a gathering of souls, a place where lifelong memories are made, and where music transcends boundaries. The 2025 festival will be a fitting finale, honouring the legacy of those who have made it what it is today – from the artists to the fans.
As the festival prepares to take its final bow, the focus shifts to the upcoming first artist announcement. Stay tuned, as the world will soon learn who will grace the stages of the last Bluesfest.
The final Bluesfest will be a four-day event, offering a power-packed experience that will close the curtain on this legendary institution. Held over the Easter long weekend from April 17 to 20, 2025, at the beautiful 300-acre Byron Events Farm, just 11km north of Byron Bay, the festival will continue to uphold its commitment to quality, featuring multiple stages and a diverse lineup that spans the best in Blues, Roots Music, and Beyond.
This final edition is not just the end of an era; it’s a celebration of everything that Bluesfest has stood for over the past 35 plus years – music, community, and unforgettable experiences.
Recognised globally for its excellence, Bluesfest has earned numerous accolades, making it the most awarded music festival in the Australian entertainment industry.
One more time. Bring it on!